Year of Beer

Inspired by my friend Martin who did something similar last year, I decided to attempt the goal of trying a new beer every week for the whole year! This is a six-month recap of what I’ve tried so far. I’ve had to stick to what’s available in BC of course, so haven’t had a chance to try many American craft beers. There’s lots of local stuff here though!

January:

  • Red Racer IPA – The first beer I tried is from the local Central City Brewing Company, and won a few awards in 2010. Easily my favourite IPA and one of the best beers of the year so far overall.
  • Red Racer Pale Ale – More bitter than the IPA, not as memorable.
  • Red Racer Lager – Has a bite, almost apple taste, not for me.
  • Tuborg – Unremarkable, inoffensive but forgettable.


February:

  • Bavaria – Don’t remember much about this one, didn’t dislike it but it didn’t stay with me.
  • Chimay Blue – I like strong Belgian beers a lot, and this is one of the classics.
  • Innis & Gunn Highland Cask – An interesting beer finished in whisky casks. VERY sweet, not my thing really despite the whisky connection!
  • Steam Whistle Pilsner – From Ontario, really liked this one, easily available in Vancouver.


March:

  • Red Baron – Very forgettable, not great.
  • Russell Lager – Ditto!
  • Double Decker IPA – From a Victoria brewery, nowhere near as flavourful as the Red Racer.
  • Estrella Inedit – Sold in 750ml bottles for $6, I really like it! It’s closest in flavour to a wheat beer and is great for the summer.


April:

All of these were in an “Ontario Craft Beer” multipack I found at the great Legacy Liquor Store in the Olympic Village.

  • Wellington SPA – Not bad, nothing special.
  • Black Oak Pale Ale – Ditto.
  • King Pilsner – Pretty good.
  • Stone Hammer Pilsner – Didn’t taste like a pilsner, disappointing.


May:

  • Flying Monkey Hoptical Illusion – Wasn’t a fan.
  • Cameron’s Cream Ale – Another forgettable entry.
  • Flying Dog Tire Bite Golden Ale – Not bad but unlike the name, no bite! Also very expensive.
  • Phillips Hefeweizen – I’m not a big fan of the Phillips Brewing Company normally, but this is probably my favourite beer of theirs. It’s a great-tasting wheat ale.


June:

  • Efes Pilsner – This was a really good, authentic-tasting pilsner.
  • Lighthouse Deckhand Saison – Awesome Belgian-style beer by the Victoria-based Lighthouse.
  • Stanley Park Amber Ale – This isn’t normally the kind of beer I like but for some reason I love this one. Lots of flavour yet light and crisp.
  • Stanley Park Pilsner – Not as good as the Amber Ale sadly; there are many better pilsners out there.


  • There’s lots more to come later in the year; I’ve already found some great stuff for July!

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